On Saturday, the third Taif Rose Festival got underway, honoring the city's rich cultural legacy as a popular tourist destination in the Makkah region. In collaboration with the Taif Municipality and with funding from the Quality of Life Program, a Saudi Vision 2023 Realization Program, the Ministry of Culture produced the event. The festival's purpose is to draw attention to the cultural value of centuries of rose-growing.
The first of the festival's many events, where spaces were festooned with roses, was held at Taif International Airport. Taif rose necklaces were given as welcome gifts to passengers at the airport, and roses were used to decorate the sides of the roads going from the airport to the event site at Al Rudaf Park. Several events, including the village of roses, the market area, the theater area, the cuisine area, and the children's area, were hosted at Al Rudaf Park after a procession of vehicles covered with flowers drove through the streets to kick off the celebration.
Visitors to the exhibition The Kings' Fragrance were given a history of Taif roses and its connection to royal fragrance. The area known as the Rose Market included the wares of vendors and prosperous families, as well as Taif rose-based companies. While the Food and Roses event honored culinary arts with the involvement of specialist chefs, Saudi artists delivered artistic, musical, and dramatic performances at the Muntazah Theater. Younger visitors were entertained at the children's play area. The Our Land event featured a culturally-focused creative performance. Farmers and multinational companies met at the Perfume Forum to discuss investment potential.
The Ministry of Culture aims to promote Taif city and its products while celebrating the city's history and culture through the Taif Rose Festival each year. The festival provides a platform for showcasing the cultural value of rose cultivation and promoting local businesses and products. With its diverse range of events, the festival offers a unique and engaging experience for visitors to learn about the history and cultural significance of Taif roses, while also enjoying a variety of entertainment options.
